Electrode for storage batteries



V. C. STANLEY.

ELECITRODEFOR STORAGE BATTERIES.

APPLICATION FILED EEB.4,1920,

Patenmd Aug. 23, 1921.

Li ii imam 0f the swzmiied fswmp T0 all wiwm may UWWGWH Be it kIlOWH that L Viimim'i U, @T'AN} I :1 citizen of Mm United fiitwtfis, i'easiciingz :ii; Brookline, county 01 Norinik and mm 0i? Massachusetts, have inventizci certain new and useful Improvements in Hieutmcie i011 fitumge Batteries, which Mm iaiiuwi i i, :i specificzitimn.

This invae .iiwii minin m @ieciflm mtumge baitizm w, and is puiiic iflmiy fin usii mmgmmiimi; imiii batter 2,, such i wily empinywzd. f0]: mipifl mm TJUMCfi u i-im'ehrxiam storm aided with couples wnmwisiiw" 0m mom pusitive piziim iiiwired m mm limiting sizi a mini simbia 0m UK negative pimms aimzheii w Hm 0i? Tim iv which m V iieiimpmsi 1 him w he other p013 mimi pia gmging i; cm mcii ii. my bars Wii wands]? mam ims 2w compmmnt parts mi ii unit wup Such prim mupies haw mum i quanti y .hi'w WW, an

have wi sistedm": am pm iiagati'm piaiie cniiiliecimi in; in Oidfil to deem-mm bulk: Hilld in fmiiii: such (ii 390 in shipping pmimwgym as to iiimifn during;

iaiisit, it has 1mm 3W transport such coup-his wiizhnui; my-aim r commutingstrips theiewifl wish p1 m ld the connecting imp thei-ehetmemi being disposed in a, onmmun plane and the strawibei lg" sui'iicianfly flexibiii r30 Hindi-2: than Easily bent 111 any desired; lit/11m,

n When such prim" coupias are in be imamed in battery mails, it has been HQCBSSWU'T/ m fi -stform. an. bend ijim saim s, and lac-k mi adequate faniiities and skill. hzwa frequently resulted in auch bending ii-bi $0 mummy plished w tocause faulty aiinemmit of the plates. Even when the conneciinp; straps o'f such electrodes hii-Vfiiilfifiil bani; in Jim ii1- immiei n1m 11ei',---the handling 10 rvi ich they must be sunjmtiiti, iii/ Twain 3 mm i my emtion and their final posiuioiiimy; .1). adjacent cvlis 01 a battery, lw Man found L0 reauentiy cause we distort-1011 as m mimif l v miter in which 04-31. i mil,

@cimi.

sin

mmgt M "iiuiii aim trod. J 'nupim mi: s11 Md for was .imw pmii ikeiihocd 0i OCESS befiigmeiim 0U having" mean on in i wimpy m immanent 0i such couples wiii inj u. piaimiars WT: mm

m1 mm: 10rd in Jim mi very 5i uh; iffi harassed ciency and s0 IHbiGi L much bat 3" ad in mils ha ing; 1': (10 110i; Galilean oppmiie paia uiy are Wilfil'l such plates mum; i as m face, .ifiii/iflll 1. hlM-Pflffii'fl diflicuii t0 nuke sure that arii couples haw Mien. so niaceci t0 provide the imam 1 (if ales-- 'ivlsoeic pnimii; Fm: i111 Mug; reasons it iiil' itll'iwniiil f h 4 um 01; mare m? the smupiixs iii :i im w reve'i'raeri when first sat up flll'ii chat such minim-1i. midis-- cowzmqi upam sub-sequent. v aim/influx tion of the cells, nor until the cells have been sub'ected to charging current for a period su ciently great to permanently injure the electrodes of such reversed couples.

In the use of storage batteries comprising comparatively small cells, occasions arise when it is desirable to ascertain if any of the connections in the circuit are loose, and to tighten same if the occasion requires the battery being connected in a working circuit during such examination and tightening of contacts. Such working circuits frequently include aerial line wires which are exposed to accidental contact with lighting and power circuits from which they maybecome charged with a potential likely td injure those coming in contact therewith. Occasions also arise when it is desired to transfer storage battery electrode couples from one position to another or to remove exhausted electrodes from storage battery cells and substitute new electrodes therefor, with- .out establishing an electrical connection between the person making such transfers and the current path through such battery. An object of this invention is to provide a storage battery electrode adapted to serve equally well either as an end element or as a member of a con le.

Another object 0 this invention is to provide an electrode, which, when employed either as an end element or as a member of a couple, will assure suitable spacing between the adjacent faces of the plates and cell walls in order to permit desired circulation of electrolyte therebetween.

Another object of this invention is to provide an. electrode, which, when employed either as an end element or as a member of a couple, will assure suitable spacing between adjacent faces of the plates correspondingly sufiported by opposite walls of a suitable ce Another object of this invention is to provide a storage battery electrode couple comprising plates of opposite polarity so joined that they may be readil detached and one or the other plate replace Another object of this invention is to provide such a detachable connected electrode couple, the connection securing means of which may be manually adjusted without subjecting person making such adjustment to risk of receiving a serious electric shock, when such couple is in a working or charging battery.

v Another object of this invention is to pro- 'vide an electrode which may be placed in position in or remo'vedfrom, adjacent cells of the working or charging battery without thereby exposing person placing or removing same to electric shock.

Another object of this invention is to. provide an electrode couple which will assure maintenance of proper relative positioning ported thereby of the component elctrodes during necessary handling and when in use, and be adapted to be knocked-down for shipment.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electrode couple which may be shipped knocked-down, and thereafter suitably assembled without emplo ing special skill or appliances of any kind.

Another object of this invention is to rovide storage battery electrodes which wi 1 be adapted for connection in couples for use in adjacent cells, and which will render readily apparent the unsuitability of the relationship between connected electrodes of like polarity.

Another object of this invention is to provide storage battery electrodes which will disclose, upon casual inspection, errors of alternation of polarities in the placing of such electrodes in a battery.

Other objects of this invention will be in part apparent and in part more particularly referred to in the following specification.

In constructing this invention,--electrodes are provided, of one polarity or the other, each having connecting structure adapted to serve equally well when employed as an end element or as member of a couple.

To assure suitable spacing between the ad-. jacent surfaces of connected pairs of such electrodes, each is provided with alug or projection so formed and positioned as to assuTne abutting relation to the corresponding lug of a similar electrode when mounted in intended relation thereto in an adjacent cell. Such lugs being so formed and positioned as to be adapted to engage the to edges of suitable cell walls to support suci electrodes therein, and to sufficiently since the active surfaces of such electrodes mm the walls of cells in which they are employed.

In order that such electrodes will be suitably spaced both from one another and from the adjacent walls of cells in which they are employed, either when serving as members of electrode couples or when serving as end elements,-the aforesaid lug structure is disposed in a hook-shape, the interior face of such hook being so formed and positioned as to be adapted to engage the inner face and top of a cell wall to properly space and support such electrode therefrom, as hereinbefore stated, and the inner wall of the free end or bill of said hook being correspondingly positioned with relation .to the outer face 0 such a cell wall,-so that when the seat of said hook rests u on the upper edge of such a suitable cell wa l the electrode supwill be held in suitable relation to such supporting wall, and will be prevented from movement toward the opposite supporting wall, such as might bri any partjof such electrode into contact with or in undesirably close proximity to a 001'- and '3 L seat 0.: hm mi 1 y far:- at. a: 51:11pm Wham such. @Eambmu. 0% 0pm.; are installed in zzd iac ent cells of an electmde aonnect IGkikiflfifliufi M @1 3: ewunm p 1th? (2 such 3.1w;

manner that y be may. 5 and 01% nthm' replaced, clamping means is provi 6 i: v nmin c: filing the. fraaa mafia of ihe strucfsm? s of such plaies in MM. mlwziml a. ,l in (if lffffitivfi +11 2 want A If it '4 1 0 pwrvide: facilities has? prut acting pen-mm from SEPMUS elecfirical shock when p12 dug and removing such elem tIOdGfi, am insuhting handle is provided. for we alectmdfi. F01! 113% fur phar u-pwz U 1 Mi 0n $11131 [11w w-mmmn is not Mwwn m 1.5mm may be t is cmnprlz-mng; i.

to mom M I :rms M10 'elmi'nal diamant- 015 s de 52 fumns 1'}.

Hum 01? huok- 1 51pm supmpizing h atter and 1mm"; the 0 mm 116?. rest to such slew M041 5. Each of said elect. has has zmtim faces one of which is presanted toward and ii; in

ed in intended. mlatifin therein in m aclja sent cell, mm: the vii spaced relation from one porting hooks extend parallel to posed faces 28 of the electrodes 23 and 24,

so as to maintain such plates in desirably another.

The interior faces 29 and 29' of said supone another and to the active faces 27 of the electrode associated therewith. Such interior faces are so spaced and of such length as to be adapted to so engage the upper edge of a suita le cell wall as to prevent such movement of the electrode with relation to such wall as would objectionably decrease the space between said wall and the active surface of the electrode, or such as might bring any part of said electrode into contact with or in undesirably close roximity to a corresponding electrode simi arly supported by the opposite wall of such cell.

Each electrode is ing strap 30 extending a suitable distance from the plate or active surfaces 27 of such electrode; the free end of which strap is disosed at an angle to one of the active plate aces 27,50 that the lug 25 and seat 26 will be situated within said angle.

The free ends 31 of the straps of the positive electrodes 23 and 23 are so positioned that the upper faces thereof will be situated a distance from the seats 26 of the supporting lugs 25 associated therewith, which distance will be substantially the same as the distance from the under faces of the free ends 32 of the straps of the negative electrodes 24 and 24; to the end that when electrodes of opposite polarity form members of a couple (as in the case of the electrodes 23 a and 24'), the free ends of the straps thereof will be disposed in overlapping relation and, when clamped together 'as shown, will maintain the seats 26 associated therewith in substantial alinement.

Each Strap end is suitabl perforated, havingan opening therethroug as indicated the dotted, line 33 shown in the strap 30 electrode 23. Connecting means is provlded for the straps of the terminal electrodes and for the electrode couples,such fmea'ns com rising the nut 34, and the insulating han e or thumb-nut 35 havin the threaded 'stud' 36 which projects own; wardly through the opening 33 and suitably engages'th'e'nut 34. n instance of terminal elements, such as the elements 23 and 24, such connecting or clamping means are adapted to suitably secure desired terminal conductors to said stra ends. In the case of electrode couples, suc clampin means is ada ted for clamping the free ends of the connecting straps .of the couple members, so asv to keep such members in desired physical relation. and in effective connection.

' 1- fIt will be noted that the under side of the ends 31 of the positive electrodes 23 and .23 are so spaced from the tops of their asbe adapted to receive ,sociated lugs 25 as to rovided with a connect-v the suitable nut 34 thcrebetween; and that the under side of the connecting straps 32 of the negative elements 24 and 24 are spaced from the tops of the lugs 25 associated therewith, so as to. be adapted to receive the suitable nut 34 and the free end 31 of the positive, electrode therebetween,such connecting straps being of such ample size and consisting of material of such sufficient hardness and stability as to successfully resist strains to which they are likely to be subjected incident to their transportation, assemblyand use, and as to retain heir form as sho\. .h and described. In the use of this invention, if it "is desired to remove an electrode couple from a battery having such electrodes as comprise this invention, the insulating handle 35 of such couple may be grasped without exposure to serious electric shock. After' removal of such a couple, the elements may be disconnected one from the other, and either element reassembled with a new element, and such renewed couple may thereupon be corres ondingly installed in the battery.

hould there be indications of a loose connection, as by line current fluctuations or otherwise, the various conr tions may be tested, and, if necessary, tightened by grasping the insulating thumb-nut without incurring ex osure to serious electric shock.

Because 0 the engagement of the upper edges of the cell walls by the hook-shaped lugs, desirable spacing between electrodes of opposite polarity, and between active surfaces of respective electrodes and adjacent cell walls will be assured without the use of insulating separators or other electrode stabilizing means,-thus increasing the efficiency, life and dependability of the battery,and enabling individual electrodes to be readily placed, removed or renewed.

Having fully described this invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a storage battery electrode: a plate of desired polarity; a connecting strap; and a supporting lug for said plate positioned in suitably spaced relation between said late and said strap, said lug being so former? and positioned for electrodes of respective polarities as to assume abuttin r relation to a corresponding lug of another such electrode of opposite polarity mounted in intended relation thereto in an adjoinin cell of a battery, so as to suitably space tile plates of such electrodes and to osition said strap parallel to and for suita )ly engaging a corresponding strap of such other electrode,

whereby said strap will not be so positioned for a corresponding strap of another similarly mounted electrode of like polarity.

In a storage battery electrode: a plate of desired polarity; a connecting strap; and a supporting lug for said plate positioned assume in suitably spaced relation between said plate and said strap, said lug being so formed and positioned to assume abutting relation. to a corresponding lug of a similar electrode, if mounted in intendedrelation thereto in an adjoining cell oil all-battery, so as to suitably space the plates of such electrodes and to positionsaid strap so as to be. adapted to extend parallel to and editably engage a corresponding strap elf-such a similar electrode, the lower face of said strap being positioned, for plates of one polarlty, substantially the same distance from the lower face of saidlug as the distance between the upper face of such a strap and the lower face of such" a lugi'or plates of the opposite polarity.

A storage battery electrode couple coinprising a positive and a negative plate, each of said plates having a supporting. lug and a connecting strap; detachable connecting means for said straps, and such relative formation and arrangement of said lugs, straps and means as will maintain intended spaeing between said plates it they are supported by said strap i 4. a. storage battery electrode couple comprising a positiveand a negtive platcg, abutting supporting lugs and overlapping connected straps, one lug and one strap-tor each plate; and an insulated handle secured to the overlapping portion of said straps.

5. A storage batteryelectrode couple comprising a positive and a negative plate; abutting supporting lugs and overlapping connecting straps, one lug and one step tor each plate; and clamping means torsaid laz nnecting straps, said means comprising an insulated tlunnlrnut.

6, A storage battery electrode couple 00mprising apositive and negative plate; abut ting supporting; lugs and overlapping connecting straps, one lug and one strap ior each plate; an insulating handle mountedabove said straps and having a threaded stud extending through and below said. straps; and a nut engaging; the projecting end oi said stud.

7. A storage battery electrode couple comprising a positive and a negative plate, each of said. plates having vertical active faces and having a supporting lug and a connecting; strap, said. lugs being ably spaced relation between one o'tsaid active faces and a tree end oi the connect ing'strap associated therewith re unztirely,

.and being; so formed and positioned as to abut when mounted in intended relation, said straps having correspondingly p sitioned openings through the free ends there of, which :lree ends extend a suitable dis tunes from their respective ssociated plates and are disposed in overlapping; relation in a plane substantially perpendicular to one of said active faces and so that said openings will register when said lugs are in in tended abutting relation; an insulating handle mounted above said straps and having a threaded stud extended downwardly therefrom through and below said straps; and a nut disposed between said straps and saidlugs and ei'i gaginc the nrojectinx end 1:: of said stud to maintain said plates in de sired physical relation and to maintain an cli'ective electrical connection therebetween. In Witness Whereol I hereunto subscribe my name, this 30th day oi January, 1920.

- I a positioned in suittill 

